Soil erosion puts Kajiado's food security at risk

Farmers at Oloitokitok area Kajiado County dig terraces to prevent soil erosion in their farms on Nov 11, 2024. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

The Oloitokitok area in Kajiado County is traditionally known for pastoralism, where the Maasai and their livestock roamed the wilds.

It is also home to the Big Five-Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and Rhinoceros among other wildlife that roams Amboseli National Park.

Over the years, however, the area has transformed from a primarily pastoral landscape to a flourishing agricultural region, thanks to strategic irrigation using fresh water from Mt Kilimanjaro.

This shift has turned Oloitokitok into one of the country's food baskets, especially known for high-yield tomato and onion farming, which fetch high market prices both locally and across county borders.

Yet, the expansion of agriculture has come at an environmental cost, with soil erosion increasingly threatening farm productivity.

The clearing of natural vegetation to create more farmland has left topsoil vulnerable to wind and water erosion, affecting crop yields.

Benson Matheka, a maize farmer of over 20 years, reports that his harvests have fallen drastically from over 20 sacks per acre to less than 10 due to soil erosion.

The World Wide Fund for Nature has embarked on a program to help Oloitoktok farmers in Kajiado County reclaim the lost glory in farming sector on Nov 11, 2024. [Peterson Githaiga, Standard]

In response, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWFN) has launched a restoration program aimed at preventing further soil degradation in the agriculture-rich region of Kajiado South.

The initiative targets restoration of over 5,000 hectares, of which 2,000 hectares have been covered so far, using afforestation and terracing to conserve soil and water.

Local community members, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities, are employed to plant trees, dig earth buds, and install conservation structures like sisal for soil restoration.

According to Dr John Kioko, World Wide Fund for Nature program coordinator, the organization has also constructed 7,500 meters of terraces in highly degraded areas to help retain soil and water.

This community-driven conservation effort provides local farmers with a sustainable pathway to revive their soil fertility, while balancing agricultural productivity with responsible land practices.

Through these measures, Oloitokitok's agricultural sector may continue to thrive, supporting farmers' livelihoods and preserving the surrounding ecosystem.